This page is under development.
KNOTs Basics/Class Structure
A KNOT is a self-contained activity that links to the learning outcomes of the course. It’s really no different to a weekly topic in an ordinary course, except that you have some flexibility in which KNOTs are relevant to your learning.
Types of KNOTs
There are three types of KNOTs in the SoCIETIE Initiative:
- Knowing (Perspectives) - understanding the bigger picture themes
- Being (Skills) - core skills to be effective agents of change
- Doing (Projects) - projects and placements that put the knowing and being into practice
…and three delivery modes:
- SoCIETIE KNOTs - delivered by Fellows and Affiliates in the McCusker Institute
- Campus KNOTs - delivered by friends and partners on campus, outside of scheduled class time
- Propose-a-KNOT - KNOTs that you assemble yourself, with approval
Examples of KNOTs are summarised in the table below:
| Example Scope of KNOTs | Knowing (Perspectives) |
Being (Skills) |
Doing (Projects) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoCIETIE KNOT | Panels delivered in timetabled classes | Workshops delivered in timetabled classes | Projects organised through Institute partners |
| Campus KNOT | Campus events in line with SoCIETIE values | Workshops on campus and residential halls | Projects in clubs, societies, residential halls, etc |
| Propose-a-KNOT | External talks, events, conferences related to SoCIETIE values | External workshops related to SoCIETIE values | Projects that you bring to the course, related to SoCIETIE values |
Although these types exist as an organising principle, there may be some fuzziness between the types. For example, a KNOT may span Knowing (Perspectives) and Being (Skills), and a collaborative project (i.e. Doing/Project) may develop Being (Skills). In general, a KNOT category will be defined but may be tailored individually in the assessment.
KNOTs Value
For each 6 units of credit, you must complete a minimum of 10 points worth of KNOTs, with the following enabling constraints:
- a minimum of 2 points from each of the Knowing, Being, Doing types
- a minimum of 4 points from McCusker Institute KNOTs
Each KNOT may be worth between 1-6 points, and is posted in the detail of each KNOT. For each point, it is expected that there will be approximately 3 hours of synchronous (live, in the moment, etc) learning, with up to a total of 10 hours including preparation, extension and independent inquiry.
We encourage you to complete more than 10 points worth of KNOTs, and we suggest that you plan to complete about 12 points worth to make the most of the opportunities and networks. If you end up completing more than 15, you might want to consider enrolling in a further class.
There are no constraints on when the KNOTs are taken; however, the SoCIETIE KNOTs will generally emphasise the Knowing and Being in early classes, and the Doing in later classes in any given semester/session.
KNOTs Completion
Each KNOT will have a preparation task, attendance and a completion task. The completion task is required to be completed in order to be able to claim the KNOT. The completion task is submitted as part of the assessment.